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Please help us find a wonderful boutique hotel in the western U.S.

Please help us find a wonderful boutique hotel in the western U.S.

Old Sep 26th, 2017, 10:01 AM
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Cottage at the San Ysidro Ranch? http://www.sanysidroranch.com/ Certainly no shortage of things to do or places to visit, wine and food in abundance. Probably 2 hours from LAX but the area is fantastic.

Just a couple of thoughts, however. First, ten days is a pretty long time if you're in some fairly remote area. The "direct flight" criteria really limits your destinations in the west; coupled with a 90-min driving window the options are even further reduced. If you could relax either the nonstop flight or the 90 min. criteria, a lot of additional resources might appear.

Second, late summer in many western areas, especially southern California, the Sierras and the Rockies, pose a nonzero risk of forest fires making long stays less pleasant.

Third - and don't freak out - what about an Alaska cruise? Pick one of the luxury lines like Seabourn, Silversea, or Crystal, and the scenery comes to you. Some of the ships are quite small but the standards are very high. Might be worth a thought experiment.
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Old Sep 26th, 2017, 12:52 PM
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Rancho Valencia in Rancho Santa Fe might suit. They do have tennis, but you can skip that! It's a lovely place and the food is excellent. Not too far from San Diego International Airport or from the many interesting places to explore in and around San Diego.

https://www.ranchovalencia.com/
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Old Sep 26th, 2017, 02:56 PM
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Many thanks for all the new ideas. We much prefer a direct flight plus a drive of up to 90 minutes. Whether that's possible is another story.
To our taste, the most appealing of the suggestions is Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, though even that's 2 1/2 hours from the San Jose airport. Another place friends told us about is Paws Up in Montana, which sounds great, though quite pricey. But that's two flights plus a 40-minute drive.
I'm sorry if we come off as a bit fussy, but we're at a time when we want to spoil ourselves and enjoy.
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Old Sep 26th, 2017, 03:23 PM
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Sonoma and Napa can meet the direct flight, shortish drive, good food, scenery requirements.

But what would you do in any of these places for _ten_ days? For me it would be like a jail sentence.

Santa Fe has culture, history, lodging, food, and scenery, but you can't get there as simply as you want.
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Old Sep 26th, 2017, 04:05 PM
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If you're willing to drive a little farther, there are a number of options in the northern California wine country.

Calistoga Ranch
Solage Resort
Milliken Creek Inn
Auberge du Soleil (adults only)
Kenwood Inn (adults only)

By late summer, I hope you mean after Labor Day.
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Old Sep 26th, 2017, 04:20 PM
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Have you considered any of the Aman properties? I have never stayed because they are out of my league, but the one in Jackson Wy might work. Again, IF you were willing to connect. Last I heard they did have a non stop from NYC and it would be a short drive from the airport, but I dont know if that is still available. It may not qualify as a boutique hotel since it is a "chain", but what a chain!
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Old Sep 26th, 2017, 07:36 PM
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"But what would you do in any of these places for _ten_ days? For me it would be like a jail sentence."

Really? San Diego for ten days would be a "jail sentence"?
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Old Sep 26th, 2017, 08:59 PM
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Barbara- OP doesn't really seem interested in cities like SD, and most of the suggestions have been remote. I agree with ackislander, just didn't want to be the one to say it. I could see maybe a long weekend in any of the places mentioned, but not 10 days. Unless you like to fish or hike or ride, what would you do in Idaho or Montana for that long? What would you do in Carmel if you didn't like to golf? I liked Carmel and I am a golfer, but just the thought of 10 days there sounds stifling. Big sur sounds worse.
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Old Sep 27th, 2017, 01:17 AM
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Thank you, marvelousmouse.

As Samuel Johnson said, "The man who tires of London tires of life."

Extending that to all large cities and all persons works for me. San Diego and environs might work for me; OP seems to seek emptier spaces with urban luxury.

There are exceptions: I like Anasazi ruins. They are mostly out in the middle of nowhere. Friends and I have tolerated restaurants that serve instant mashed potatoes, margarine instead of butter, and 3.2 beer in our pursuit of ruins. But they would violate the trail requirements.

Ditto Palladian villas and early Romanesque churches. Passion trumps convenience.
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Old Sep 27th, 2017, 01:42 AM
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nrwayne, Devil's Thumb Ranch would be every bit as nice as Paws Up, but easier to reach. If you wanted to do day-trips, you could go to Steamboat Springs, Grand Lake, Winter Park. Or just relax at the ranch. I could do ten days there happily.

Ritz Carlton Laguna Nigel is like a slice of Hawaii.

Santa Barbara's Four Seasons is outstanding.
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Old Sep 27th, 2017, 02:15 AM
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I always dream about this Aman. You can fly into Page, Arizona but no idea of commercial flights go there.

https://www.aman.com/resorts/amangiri
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Old Sep 27th, 2017, 02:53 AM
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One of the guys I work with and his wife went to the Aman in southern Utah for their anniversary. They said it was amazing. It is literally in the middle of nowhere, but they are outdoor people amd money is no object for them. They had a wonderful time but only spent 4 days.
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Old Sep 27th, 2017, 06:31 AM
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If you're looking at Paws Up, you might also consider The Ranch at Rock Creek.

But you're still looking at having at least one connection and a drive, and you're not near anything else.
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Old Sep 27th, 2017, 07:49 AM
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>

It would be for me, I think San Diego is kind of boring for a big city. And it's not really in the middle of places you want to travel to during those 10 days, for day trips. I think Carmel is a better idea, or Monterey area, not because there is much of anything to do in Carmel itself for 10 days (other than golf), but because it is near things you can travel to see during day trips. Same for Santa Barbara.

I would have thought Santa Fe would be about perfect for the wish list, though, or that general area, must be fancy boutique hotels around there. You can fly nonstop from JFL via Jet Blue to ABQ, at least some times of the year. Santa Fe is an easy drive from ABQ. I've been there but not in that kind of luxury boutique hotel to recommend, but I really like that geography in that area, beautiful scenery.

Otherwise, I was going to suggest Aspen. I know there are luxury hotels there, although I think they are usually bigger (like LIttle Nell). Now you can't fly nonstop to there from NY, though, you have to transfer in Chicago or Denver, most likely. At least there is plenty to do in that area, and nice scenery.
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Old Sep 27th, 2017, 08:43 AM
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Bookmarking for all the interesting ideas!
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Old Sep 27th, 2017, 09:27 AM
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I'm bookmarking too!
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Old Sep 27th, 2017, 09:45 AM
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California's Napa Valley has two fine resorts with noted restaurants: Meadowood (complete with a croquet ground) and the Provençal-like Auberge du Soleil. The latter's restaurant has an outside deck with view across the valley. The rooms are gorgeous.
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Old Sep 27th, 2017, 11:24 AM
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As already mentioned (flying into Seattle) Salish Lodge fits the request.
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Old Sep 28th, 2017, 09:04 AM
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http://rosarioresort.com/
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Old Sep 28th, 2017, 11:47 PM
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In Oregon, I think the one we all would like to afford is the Tu Tun Lodge. http://tututun.com

However, I would split the time with one other spot. I have also always wanted to stay at the Cannery Pier Hotel and watch the ships go by. It's a gorgeous setting. https://www.cannerypierhotel.com


For a retreat within the city of Portland, River's Edge Hotel is more secluded and away from the bustle. We have eaten at Aquariva and the food was great but the setting was what really made it stellar.
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